Feb. 8, 2006 - The Forest Products Association of Canada (FPAC) said that James (Jim) A. Shepherd, President and CEO of Canfor, has been elected chairman of the FPAC Board of Directors, effective January 1, 2006.

"I am excited to be taking on this new role and about the future of an industry that has a rich economic heritage in Canada," said Shepherd.

"While Canada's forest products industry is currently facing an unprecedented storm of economic challenges, it is also an industry poised for transformation," Shepherd said. "With global demand for forest products increasing by 3% annually, the right leadership from industry and a competitive business climate from government, the prospects for Canada's forest products industry are excellent. I am honoured to have been asked by the Board to lead the industry's Association during this period of transformation that will see our industry solidify its global competitiveness, sustainability leadership and long-term viability."

Mr. Shepherd was named president and CEO of Canfor Corp. in 2004 following Canfor's acquisition of Slocan Forest Products Ltd. Mr. Shepherd was the president and CEO of Slocan and, prior to this appointment, was president and COO of Crestbrook Forest Industries Ltd., and president of Finlay Forest Industries Limited.

"We are delighted to welcome Mr. Shepherd as our new Chairman. Clearly, Mr. Shepherd's extensive forestry sector experience will be a significant asset to FPAC and its members over the period ahead. We very much look forward to working under his leadership," said Avrim Lazar, president and CEO, FPAC.

"We would also like to thank our outgoing chairman, Russ Horner, president and CEO of Catalyst Paper Corporation, for his leadership and vision. He has done a superb job, and we look forward to his continued contribution to FPAC as an active member of our Board of Directors."

FPAC is the voice of Canada's wood, pulp and paper producers nationally and internationally in government, trade and environmental affairs. Canada's forest industry represents 3% of Canada's GDP and exports $45 billion of wood, pulp and paper annually. The industry is one of Canada's largest employers, operating in hundreds of Canadian communities and providing over 900,000 direct and indirect jobs across the country.